Questions about the Markins Q3 Ballhead

So I'm browsing Markins' website and I'm wondering if the quick release clamp is included in the package?

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/Q3.php?req=black

If so, can I buy the Q3 without the quick release clamp? I forgot who said it, but I read that the Markins quick release clamp is inferior to the one made by Kirk. It was recommended that the Kirk 1.75in Standard quick release be bought instead.

http://www.kirkphoto.com/platforms.html

Any comments on this? I already have an RRS L-plate for my Canon XTI. I'm assuming that once I have a tripod and the ballhead, the XTI with an L-plate will just slide into the quick release clamp?

One final questions and that is with panoramas. How does the Q3 deal with parallax? I read that it would be better to buy a separate head like the Nodal Ninja 3 for panoramas since it will effectively eliminate parallax from the pictures.